Background
We have partnered with the Ministry of Education, ZVKOV, and ZUOV—key national education institutions—on the “21st Century Schools” program. This initiative aims to enhance digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and programming among children aged 10 to 15. Financed by UK government and launched in 2017, the program has, by 2024, engaged every primary school in Serbia, thousands of teachers, and tens of thousands of pupils across the country.
Programme Overview
The program’s goal is achieved through the integration of micro:bit devices into everyday teaching activities. A comprehensive curriculum for teacher training was developed and implemented with teachers and principals before introducing the devices into everyday teaching processes and forming local in-school coding clubs.
Every school in Serbia received micro:bit devices, enabling students to engage in interactive and innovative learning. All coding clubs had the chance to compete in the final yearly micro:bit coding challenges in Belgrade.
One teacher shared their impression of working with micro:bits and its impact: “As soon as they took the micro:bit in their hand, their imagination went wild. They started asking questions like, ‘What if we try this?’, ‘What if we connect the micro:bit with this?’, ‘What would happen if we do this?’. That is the key—learning to solve non-routine problems. Children are becoming creative, and in my opinion, that is very important.
Programme Components
The micro:bit device is a pocket-sized, programmable computer created in the UK to help elementary school children learn coding, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This small but powerful device features a processor, various sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a 25-LED display, and two programmable buttons. It can be powered by USB or an external battery pack. Every primary school in Serbia received the necessary number of devices.
Teachers and principals were trained to integrate new skills using the micro:bit device through an induction program. This training focused on introducing critical thinking, problem-solving, and coding into their teaching methods, with support from National Core Skill trainers, who were themselves trained by British Council experts and Micro:bit Educational Foundation staff.
The Results
Over the years, more than 8,000 primary school teachers and principals and over 300,000 pupils have engaged with the 21st Century Schools program. This engagement has improved the analytical skills, critical thinking, and coding abilities of children, as well as enhanced the teaching process.
Here, you can see details of one of the yearly coding challenges winning team: Elementary School Dule Karaklajić from Lazarevac.